Hyderabad is known for its distinct and delicious cuisine. From the piping hot aromatic biryani to the gooey and rich Haleem, there’s a lot that you can try in this city. The city of pearls has something for everyone, be it non-vegetarian delicacies or mouth-watering vegetarian dishes.
Here are some of the Hyderabad famous food items that you can try on your next trip.
Lukhmi
This local version of samosa is one of the most famous snacks in Hyderabad. It’s flaky and filled with minced meat. The locals enjoy it with tea and this is also served as a starter at most top restaurants. You can get some tasty mutton lukhmis at Pista House or Shah Ghouse Restaurant. If you are a vegetarian, you can get some veg lukhmis at Paradise and Rio Hotel.
Malai Paya
If you love mutton, you will fall in love with the taste of the Hyderabadi Malai paya. This rich dish is prepared using cream, goat trotters and various spices. The soup is ideal to relieve a sore throat especially during winter. The best places to have this in the city are Hotel Shadab, Nayab Hotel, Chicha’s etc. You can finish your malai paya meal with a hot cup of Irani chai.
Hyderabadi Marag
If you want to taste the royal Hyderabadi flavor, you should try the Marag. It’s a mutton stew from the Hyderabadi cuisine that is often served as an appetizer during local gatherings. The meat is cooked on low flame until it becomes tender. It is served with naan and is one of the bestselling dishes in the city during winters. Chicha’s and The Jewels of Nizam serve one of the best marags in the city so you must definitely check out these restaurants.
Do Pyaaza
Do Pyaaza is a lip-smacking local delicacy that is popular in the city. It is made with a lot of onion, yes, a lot, some garlic and special spices. Tomatoes are also one of the main ingredients added but it is often replaced with curd or raw mangoes (especially in summer). It is often prepared with mutton but murgh do pyaaza is the most admired variant. Try this delicacy at Cafe Bahar or Bawarchi restaurant.
Hyderabadi Biryani
Biryani, the most popular food in Hyderabad, is known for its distinct taste. The aromatic rice and tender meat pieces will make you want more. It is the star of the main course here and is loved by locals and tourists alike. You can try the mutton, chicken, vegetable, prawn, fish, paneer and the mushroom variants of the dish when in Hyderabad. You’ll get the best biryani at Cafe Bahar, Hotel Shadab, Cafe 555, Paradise restaurant etc.
Hyderabadi Haleem
Traditional Hyderabadi Haleem is usually sold in the month of Ramadan. This scrumptious dish is a favorite of many. It is made on low flame and cooked until a certain consistency is achieved. You can try mutton, chicken and vegetarian haleem during this month. Pista House, Cafe 555, and Shah Ghouse serve one of the best haleems in town. The best off-season haleem is available at Khan Miya all round the year.
Jauzi Halwa
Hyderabad has a lot of unique desserts like Qubani ka Meetha, Double ka Meetha, etc but Jauzi Halwa has its own significance. It is made with a lot of ghee, saffron, wheat flour and secret spices. Its distinct aroma will definitely make your mouth water. This dessert has its roots in Turkey and now is a popular sweet in the city. Hameedi Confectionery is a 100-year-old shop that specializes in making this delicacy.
Double Ka Meetha
Another sweet delicacy that Hyderabad is popular for is ‘double ka meetha’. It is made of fried bread slices that are soaked in thickened milk and spices such as saffron, cardamom etc. You will find this dessert in almost every restaurant and sweet shop. It is a must-try when you are in the city.
Food in Hyderabad is an emotion. The city has countless other dishes such as Osmania biscuit, Irani chai, malai khorma, patthar ka gosht, mirchi ka salan etc. that will leave you in awe. Have you tried any of the dishes mentioned above? If yes, comment below and let us know what was your favorite!
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